Movie Review: Tell No One July 8, 2008

Story: If you like films that keep you on the edge of your seat that include exciting, realistic action scenes, great acting and a riveting plot – run, don’t walk to your local art house to see this film by actor (The Beach) turned director Guillaume Canet. It was written by Mr. Canet and Philippe Lefebvre and is based on the international best selling novel by Harlan Coben.

We meet a loving couple as they return to their childhood lake. A violent event occurs (off camera) and we fast forward eight years to find the man, pediatrician Alexander Beck, still grieving over the death of his wife on that fateful night. Or did she die? The plot involves two uncovered corpses, mysterious e-mails, secret safety deposit boxes, corruption in high places and a seemingly innocent man who is pursued by the gendarmes.

I cannot tell you much more about the film lest I spoil it for you. If movies that resolve themselves like a satisfying jigsaw puzzle are your cup of tea, check out this quenching summer film.

Watch the trailer –

Acting:François Cluzet as Alexandre Beck is simply wonderful. He reminded me of a younger Dustin Hoffman in Marathon Man. Marie-Josée Croze (you might remember her from the Diving Bell and the Butterfly) as Margot Beck is also compelling to watch. André Dussollier as the father in law is super as are performances by Kristin Scott Thomas, Marina Hands, François Berléand and Nathalie Baye. Jean Rochefort, as millionaire Gilbert Neuville is deliciously creepy. Gilles Lellouche as thug Bruno is wonderful whenever he is on the screen and director Guillaume Canet as young Philippe Neuville winds up a fine cast.

Predilection: I like mysteries.

Critters: A few dogs that end up in a bad way (but you do not see anything happen to them) and a beautiful Briard.

Food: Cantaloupe, wine and cheese.

Sex Spectrum: Sex is implied but not seen. There is brief night time nudity.

Blatant Product Placement: Apple

Soundtrack: A terrific track that further adds to the quality of the film.

Opening Titles: Titles are superimposed over a family picnic.

Visual Art: France is beautiful as are the interiors of all of the homes.

Theater Audience: About 15 people in the first showing on a Monday at the Landmark Sunshine Theater (the one next to Yonah Schimmel’s Knishes).

Weather: The weather was fine throughout the film.

Sappy Factor: 0

Quirky Meter: 0

Squirm Scale: We worried about the Briard for awhile.

Drift Factor: I did not drift for a nano second and neither did my pal (who is known to snooze at the movies).

Predictability Level: I had a few surprises.

Tissue Usage: 0

Oscar Worthy: Why not?

Big Screen or Rental: Fine films are always best seen on the theater but if you cannot get to this one – rent it when you can.